Porsche stops production of all its diesel cars

In the latest move towards cleaner forms of transport, Porsche has confirmed that it is putting an end to diesel engines in its cars.

The German manufacturer cited a “cultural shift” among its customers as the main reason, according to trade publication Autocar.

It was revealed this week that the company will cease production of the diesel versions of its Macan, Panamera and Cayenne models, eight years after they were first offered to the market.

In a statement, the company said: "Traditionally, diesel engines have played a subordinate role at Porsche – the company does not develop or build diesel engines itself. Currently, the demand for diesel models is falling, whereas interest in hybrid and petrol models is increasing significantly. For example, the ratio for hybrid versions of the new Panamera in Europe is around 60 percent."

However, it does not mean a complete exit from diesel technology as the company said the upcoming Cayenne will feature a “diesel powertrain”. The Cayenne model had initially been recalled last year due to “irregularities in the engine control software”.

The move has provoked a strong response from environmental campaigners who feel that Porsche, ultimately owned by the Volkswagen Group, has been tainted by the emissions scandal. VW was found to have intentionally altered their technology to only meet emissions standards during testing.

Mel Evans, clean air campaigner at Greenpeace, responded: “Porsche is the first arm of VW Group to realise the only way out of the Dieselgate scandal is to ditch diesel and turn to new, clean electric and hybrid technology.

“Porsche’s move away from diesel is a step in the right direction for VW Group. But it’s time for the rest of VW Group to wake up to the fact that dirty diesel’s time is over, and only a bold move to full electric and hybrid can win back their reputation.” 

 

Photo: Porsche